The hierarchy of feudal society in 14th century England was separated into four main classes: at the bottom were the peasants and serfs, the nobles and knights, the barons and lords, and with the monarchy at the top, which only the Pope in Rome was higher than (Slavicek). But it is the specific class of the knights that is strikingly similar to the class of the Celtic knight. "These [knights], when there is occasion and any war occurs ... are all engaged in war. And those of them most distinguished by birth and resources, have the greatest number of vassals and dependents about them," (Caesar 6.15). These Celtic knights were constantly engaged in war as they were always avenging injuries inflicted upon them (Caesar 6

A coat cut close, that clung to his sides,

Gawain's willingness to fight for honor and prestige induces him to challenge the knight, but it is also his lust for the battle which drives him to accept the offer. The social mores of 14th century England did not require everybody to fight, but it did encourage it. As honor could come only through battle, knights frequently went on quests to enhance their prestige. This is seen through such novels as Mallory's "Le Morte d'Artur," although it is most probably exaggerated in that novel, and also "Beowulf", which is an early example of the concept of chivalry. Still, knights such as the Black Prince went in search of battle to obtain the glory that could only come through fighting.

and the Medieval English. We still strive for honor and prestige through all things, indeed, battle may be compared to competition in the job market. And we generally still cherish our arms as is shown by the second amendment to the United States constitution in the Bill of Rights. Sir Gawain and the Green Knight is not a piece of poetry for a specific people, but rather is a piece of poetry for all times- revealing the society in which the poet lived in, and makes one think of ours in a different light.

And a mantle to match, made with a lining

And in guise of all green, the gear and the man:

by society, his right to pride," (Burrow 119). In the case of the society that Sir Gawain lives in, one's right to pride only comes through battle. It is not enough to loot the opposing side, but instead one must fight and triumph over other knights to enhance his prestige.

Honor is only significant, though, in the relationship between an individual and the society to which he is born into. As Pitt-Rivers says: "Honor is the value of a person in his own eyes, but also in the eyes of his society. It is his estimation of his own worth, his claim to pride, but it is also the acknowledgement of that pride

Some common words found in the essay are:
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Approximate Word count = 1304
Approximate Pages = 5 (250 words per page double spaced)